Medical Assistant Schools in Columbia, South Carolina

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Medical Assistant programs in Columbia, South Carolina can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.

Medical assistant Schools Near Columbia, South Carolina

#1

South University-Columbia

Columbia, SC 7.6 miles away

South University-Columbia is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Columbia, SC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Southeastern College-Columbia

Columbia, SC 7.9 miles away

Southeastern College-Columbia is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Columbia, SC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Fortis College-Columbia

Columbia, SC 10.2 miles away

Fortis College-Columbia is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Columbia, SC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Midlands Technical College

West Columbia, SC 13.6 miles away

Midlands Technical College is a Public, 2-year in West Columbia, SC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Central Carolina Technical College

Sumter, SC 31.4 miles away

Central Carolina Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Sumter, SC serving about 2,388 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,715
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,016
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College

Orangeburg, SC 34.2 miles away

Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Orangeburg, SC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Coker University

Hartsville, SC 53.3 miles away

Coker University is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Hartsville, SC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

York Technical College

Rock Hill, SC 62.2 miles away

York Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Rock Hill, SC serving about 3,813 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,512
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,824
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

Aiken Technical College

Graniteville, SC 64.1 miles away

Aiken Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Graniteville, SC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Florence, SC 64.1 miles away

Florence-Darlington Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Florence, SC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Medical Assistant Schools Near Columbia

There are 10 schools within 64 miles of Columbia.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
South University-Columbia7.6 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
Southeastern College-Columbia7.9 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Fortis College-Columbia10.2 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Midlands Technical College13.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Central Carolina Technical College31.4 mi$5,715N/APublic, 2-year
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College34.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Coker University53.3 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
York Technical College62.2 mi$5,512N/APublic, 2-year
Aiken Technical College64.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Florence-Darlington Technical College64.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Medical Assistant Salary in South Carolina

Entry-level medical assistants in South Carolina earn around $31,240 per year. The median salary is $38,820, which is 12.2% below the national median of $44,200. Top earners make up to $47,120 per year.

South Carolina vs. National Medical Assistant Wages
MetricSouth CarolinaNational
Median salary$38,820$44,200
Average salary$40,070$44,720
25th percentile$35,990$37,610
75th percentile$44,570$48,160
90th percentile$47,120$57,830

South Carolina employs approximately 11,750 medical assistants (5.2 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 1.00).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Medical Assistant Job Outlook

12.5% growth (2024–2034)

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 12.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This represents a change from 811,000 to 912,200 jobs nationwide. About 112,300 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring, or leaving the labor force.

In South Carolina, the concentration of medical assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 1.00), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do medical assistants make in South Carolina?

The median annual salary for medical assistants in South Carolina is $38,820. Wages range from $31,240 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $47,120 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many medical assistant schools are near Columbia?

There are 138 Medical Assistant schools within commuting distance of Columbia. The closest is South University-Columbia, approximately 7.6 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for medical assistants?

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 12.5% from 2024 to 2034. About 112,300 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.

What does medical assistant training cost near Columbia?

Annual tuition for medical assistant programs near Columbia ranges from $1,956 to $25,590. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.

Is a medical assistant in demand in South Carolina?

Demand for medical assistants in South Carolina is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 1.00. The state employs 5.2 medical assistants per 1,000 workers.